Stumptown Suds

Lucky Labrador Tasting Room

Prompted by a recommendation from beer enthusiast and ex-coworker of mine Mike Brem, I decided to use this space to riff about the different beers I tasted during our two-day stint in Portland. And since my palate is amateurish, and my writing on the subject can be foamy at times, the descriptions below may read like a beer on an empty stomach.

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Mirror Pond Pale AleDeschutes Brewery – Bend, OR

Clean and crisp like a dress shirt, though not as genteel. Remarkably unremarkable. Drink, yawn, drink, proceed.

Hop GoldTugboat Brewing Company – Portland, OR

Harsh like Miss Trunchbull. The bitter finish of a portly marathon runner with the mouthfeel of a hiking sock.

Amber LampsTugboat Brewing Company – Portland, OR

A sweet & syrupy melange; the color of a California raisin with dishwater drinkability.

Klickitat Pale AleAlmeda Brewhouse – Portland, OR

A playful little beer. Cool and calm like George Clooney. Perfect for a rose garden croquet match; even better for the rematch.

Lombac Strong DraftLompoc Brewing – Portland, OR

Thick and rich and fancy. Traces of molasses warming over a douglas fir campfire.

LTD 05Full Sail Brewing Company – Hood River, OR

Sweet and strong like Steven Seagal. Wish I could have kicked it with this beer a few more times.

Mori Moto Soba AleRogue Ales – Newport, OR

This beer needs no chill, as it’s a hoppy cotton candy coconut party! No-doubter best beer of the trip. Subtle, strong and delicious. Ranks up there with two-hearted ale and Outback cheese fries.

Everybody’s Country Boy IPAEverybody’s Brewing – White Salmon, WA

A nice shot of grass clippings.

Organic Golden AleLucky Labrador Brewing Company – Portland, OR

Budweiser on steroids. A good birthday sixer for a bro who doesn’t like beer.

Stumptown PorterLucky Labrador Brewing Company – Portland, OR

The blood of an american gladiator! Drink while fighting zombies and/or listening to Megadeath.

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Cheers to our lovely hostess Britanie Kessler and her double cool friends for blazing the trail and welcoming us to Portland.